The 2026 National Sports Festival, tagged the “Coal City Games,” is set to unfold in Enugu State, Nigeria, with preparations already underway. The Main Organising Committee (MOC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have initiated strategic planning sessions to ensure a seamless and successful event. Their recent joint meeting, co-chaired by Hon. Bukola Olopade (MOC Chairman) and Lloyd Ekweremadu (LOC Chairman and Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports), focused on crucial aspects of the Games, particularly the development of sporting facilities. The committees reviewed progress reports on ongoing construction at various sites, expressing satisfaction with the pace of development thus far. A follow-up visit to Enugu is scheduled for October 2025 to further assess the state’s preparedness and offer guidance. The collaborative spirit between the MOC and LOC, coupled with the active involvement of the Enugu State government, signals a strong commitment to delivering a world-class sporting spectacle.
The proactive approach of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has been instrumental in the early mobilization of contractors to project sites. This commitment underscores the state’s dedication to providing top-tier facilities for the Games and reflects a broader vision of establishing Enugu as a prominent sporting hub. Governor Mbah’s vision aligns with the aspirations of the LOC, which aims not only to host a successful event but also to field a competitive contingent capable of winning the overall championship. This dual objective of hosting and winning underscores the state’s ambition to make a significant mark on the national sporting landscape. The Governor’s proactive engagement has set a positive tone for the preparations and instilled confidence in the ability of Enugu State to deliver on its promises.
The LOC, under the leadership of Ekweremadu, has outlined a comprehensive strategy to assemble a formidable team for the Games. This involves actively recruiting athletes of Enugu State origin, both within Nigeria and from the diaspora. The state is reaching out to elite athletes, recognizing their potential to contribute significantly to the overall performance of the team. This strategic recruitment drive highlights the LOC’s commitment to building a strong and competitive contingent capable of challenging for top honors. This proactive recruitment strategy is a testament to the LOC’s determination to field a highly competitive team.
Beyond the immediate goal of winning the 2026 Games, Enugu State views the hosting of the festival as a catalyst for significant infrastructural development. The iconic Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, a central venue for the Games, is slated for a complete overhaul. Governor Mbah has indicated that the renovations will be so extensive that the stadium will be “unrecognisable” upon completion. This transformation promises to create a state-of-the-art sporting facility that will serve the community long after the festival concludes. Furthermore, a brand new multi-purpose games village is planned for the currently undeveloped Awgu Games Village site. This ambitious project will provide a dedicated space for athletes and officials, enhancing the overall experience of the Games and leaving a lasting legacy for the state.
The optimism surrounding Enugu’s ability to successfully host and excel in the 2026 National Sports Festival is shared by key stakeholders. Davidson Owumi, Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League and a member of the LOC, has expressed confidence in the state’s capacity to deliver a memorable event. He cited the Governor’s track record, the expertise within the LOC, and the robust technical framework as reasons for his optimism. This confidence reflects a broader belief in the state’s organizational capabilities and its commitment to achieving the ambitious goals set for the Games. Owumi’s endorsement adds further credence to the positive outlook surrounding the event.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) shares the prevailing optimism, viewing the Coal City Games 2026 as a pivotal moment for Nigerian sports. The NSC believes that the event will set new standards for sporting excellence, promote national unity, and showcase Nigeria’s vibrant sporting culture to the world. Enugu State, as the host, has the opportunity to not only deliver a successful sporting event but also to make a lasting contribution to the development of sports in Nigeria. The 2026 Games are poised to be a significant milestone, and Enugu State is determined to leave a lasting legacy of sporting excellence, unity, and celebration. The games also present a challenge for Enugu State as they will be striving todethrone Delta State, the reigning champions of the National Sports Festival in its 23rd edition scheduled for September 2026.
